Once is a blessing, twice is an honor. BIG shout out to “We Are Kid Lit Collective” for featuring my “Art of Rob” 130 book of drawings, sketches, paintings, tutorials, and more. If you don’t know them you should check out their yearly summer reading lists for kids. If you’d like to Cop my book, do that HERE. And check out all of these other amazing books listed in the article HERE.
Dig this? Check out this video I made of some of my favorite “Art Books”
Last Fall in 2023 I got the distinct pleasure of reading my latest book “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco” to a big group of students at the South Berkeley Public Library branch. Here are some photos from that day.
Giving a reading to children is kind of like a performance. You know what story you’re going to read, and since Fresh Juice is still new I have read it out loud to kids only about 15-20 times. For some of my other books I’ve read them 100’s of times; each time trying to emphasize a different part depending on the group I’m reading to. Sometimes I read in English, sometimes Spanish. In this photo I’m trying to gt the kids to talk back to me rather than just listen. Folks in the church used to say “call and response”.
Something I love to do when I visit with kids beyond reading them the actual story is to share some of the behind the scenes, the outtakes, and the practice that goes into making these books that take minutes to read and sometimes years to make. I love sharing drawings and paintings from the process, and I LOVE sharing my sketchbook with them. Younger kids and even some of the older ones love seeing drawings, paintings, sketches, etc because whether its a song, a dance, a video game, or a picture book its fun to see how artists do the thing.
I’ve kept a sketchbook since I was a child. I love sharing them so much that I self published a book full of my drawings, paintings, sketches, etc that have helped me develop stories, share knowledge, or just develop as an artist. You can cop that here.
BIG shout out to Juan Rigo (Adult w/ the hat on the left) who is a librarian at Berkley Public Library who I’ve known since Berkeley high school! He told me he was gonna bring me to the library to read to the babies and sho nuff did. Thx Juan! And BIG shout out to Maestra Arroyo sitting next to Juan who not only brought her class but a fellow teacher’s class to see me read. All photos taken by Jessica and Juan!
SEE? When you see librarians and teachers give them props, words of affirmation, and support when they are in labor struggles for better pay. If it weren’t for these two, my story would not have reached these kids that day. I take that honor seriously and am forever grateful for all of you doing your best to cheer on and game up the next generation with knowlege and love.
Dig this? Check out this visit to McBee Elementary and the Texas Book Festival or Bella Vista Elementary in Oakland.
If you havent already, please review “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco” wherever you review books. Request it at your local library or bookstore no matter where you live.
Hey, its not everyday you get an art book featured in “School Library Journal”, but that’s what happened on my birthday no less. Sujei Lugo , a librarian, Pura Belpre committee member, activist, and avid book blogger for places like Latinx In Kid and School Library Journal just reviewed Art of Rob!! If you didn’t catch the “Art of Rob” kickstarter, this is a 130 page book of my sketches, drawings, paintings, characters, and more. I made it for anyone who loves art books, but especially for young aspiring artists:)
Check out the other kids books on the list, including my good friend Innosanto Nagara’s “A is for Activist”. LINK
Dig this? Peep the first 7 bookstores to carry Art of Rob!
Feliz Año nuevo. Juiced to tell you that “Art of Rob” is making its way into more brick and mortar community based independent bookstores in the US. I love sharing information about bookstores because they are little cultural hubs for reading, art, politics, sometimes food, dating :), learning, and reading of course. If you can please go support these book and art galleries, you’re guaranteed to find something unique.
1. Modern Mouse – Alameda California 2223 S Shore Center, Alameda, CA 94501
This gift store/ art gallery houses some of the coolest books, art prints, t-shirts, stickers, candles, toys, jewelry, and more in the East Bay. I’m not sure when it was founded but Matt and Mynt took over the company in 2017 and they are Queer and Woman of color owned. Check them out!
2. Push/Pull– Seattle Washington 2000 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
Push & Pull is a cool independent bookstore located in the northwest side of Seattle right in between Adams and WestWoodland. They are go to spot for independent comix, books, gifts, and art. Not only that but they publish folks and host regular events. If you were at the Short Run Fest you might have seen their table. Go support them!
E14 has been rocking with me since Furqan’s First Flat Top debuted. They are a project and offshoot of the EastSide Arts Cultural center in East Oakland and they featured clothing, jewelry, art, toys, and books. Every year they host an array of local talent through gallery shows and vendor events. Go check them out. Brown and Black owned!
Wow, I’m excited to announce that “Furqan’s First Flat Top/ El Primer Corte de Mesita de Furqan“ has officially sold out of its 2nd print run. That makes over 3000 books sold hand to hand, at events, or sent to folks all over the US and the world.
I was doing this for Furqan’s First Flat Top too, getting it into indy stores one at a time.
